Meet Don Martindale, Denver’s new DC

It’s official: Don Martindale is the Broncos new defensive coordinator.

Martindale, who goes by the nickname “Wink”, becomes the Broncos’ fifth defensive coordinator in as many years.

This is a move that will go over very well in the locker room. Wink is well liked by his players, and several had endorsed him for the defensive coordinator job as soon as the job came open about 10 days ago. I asked a linebacker earlier this week to explain why Martindale was a good choice. Here’s what he said:

“Everything. He’s smart, he knows football. He does his research, listens. He’s firm, he has us prepared. Just a good coach.”

But the casual Broncos fan might still be wondering, “Who?”

Unlike the Broncos previous defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan, Martindale isn’t a big NFL name. So here’s a primer on the man who will be calling the Broncos defense in 2010.

Coaching background: After several years coaching at the high school level in Ohio, Martindale spent a decade as a college coach (Notre Dame, defensive assistant 1994-95; Cincinnati, defensive ends, linebackers/special teams 1996-1998; Western Illinois defensive coordinator 1999; Western Kentucky linebackers, defensive coordinator 2001-2003). He got his first NFL job in 2004 in Oakland, and he coached the Raiders’ linebackers through 2008. He joined coach Josh McDaniels’ staff a year ago.

Don Martindale, the “Wink”, is an ex-Oakland “Faider” assistant, which won't sit too well with some die-hard Bronco fans. Plus, Don M.'s NFL coaching experience is limited to five years as an assistant in Oakland and one year on Josh's staff in Denver. But I think Dean Pees' bowing out of consideration for Denver's defensive coach job, partly for health reasons, could be a blessing in disguise. Don M. is keeping Mike N.'s system, which I think is a good system, in place, and if Denver gets some bigger, more aggressive players for its front seven, the Broncos will be hard to move the ball against. Not only did the Chargers' Philip Rivers have his usual good game against Denver last year, but several RBs–for instance, San Diego's LT and Darren Sproles, Oakland's Darren McFadden, Washington's Clinton Portis(an ex-Denver player), and KC's Jamaal Charles–ran for big yardage numbers. The Chiefs don't miss LJ; Jamaal burned the Broncos for 259 yards on the ground in the season finale last year. That's a figure no defensive coach should be proud of. Not only is the :”Wink” committed to making Denver more aggressive on defense, but he's a guy the players like and respect. (Are you listening, “Wonder Boy” Josh?) That bodes well for Denver's chances this coming year.

mustang672892001

Just kick some ass man

mustang672892001

Just kick some ass man

Craig

Don “Wink” Martindale? That is, bar none, the gayest name in the history of football. The fact that he has to steal the name of Conrad “Wink” Martindale says it all. The real Wink Martindale, despite being 30 years older than Don, looks younger than Don. He should spend less time trying to be cute and more time building a professional football resume.

Wink Martindale running your defense = sure formula for failure.

LOL Wink Martindale. Hilarious!

Jammboatman

Apparently you know little to nothing Craig. His nickname comes from the old game show host, Wink Martindale. And he didn’t steal the name, it was given to him. And I’m sure Don doesn’t care how old he looks or how he looks, he’s too busy coaching and building a professional football resume. This is his 6th year in the NFL. Craig talking football=don’t know jack!

Craig

Do you know who Conrad “Wink” Martindale is? If you did, you would realize that I know where the name came from, since I say so in my post. Conrad “Wink” Martindale is the game show host. He is the one and ONLY “Wink” Martindale.

It’s so great that Don has been in the NFL for six whole years, and is now Denver’s DC. Usually, there is a longer tenure before reaching these kinds of positions, but in Winky’s case, he probably fooled ’em since he looks like he’s about 76, and has been dragged through the league on a bender.

If someone “gave” him this nickname, he should have squashed it. Next, Denver will hire “Slappy” White and “Soupy” Sales to run their offense. lololol

Jammboatman

Well, at least you know your game show hosts. What I didn’t know was, that to be an NFL coach you couldn’t have a fun nickname and that you had to look a certain age. Who cares about his looks, his age and his nickname. What matters is can he do a good job. Bring on Slappy and Soupy, as long as they can coach. If you don’t like Wink, call him Mr. Martindale. He shouldn’t squash his nickname, he should squash you.

Me

There was a rock & roll DJ in Los Angeles, CA. named “Wink” Martindale. You or relative?

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.